Introduction: Kids Super Sci-Fi Rocket Fueled Jet Pack Made for Pennies!
Create a Super sci-fi rocket jet pack for your little rocketeer!
Easy to make with recyclables you may already have!
Step 1: Create the Backpack From Cardboard and Webbing!
To begin take a piece of cardboard that fits the width of the child's back.
Build arm straps like a back pack. Through the top and around to the side. I used old backpack webbing and just stapled it in place to create arm holes! I added a strap across the chest that is stapled to the arm loops and buckles in front. It's like the rocket stabilizers. :)
You could use old webbing, shoelaces, or rope, braided yarn, twill tape...anything you have on hand!
Step 2: Soda Bottles Become Jet Turbines!
Take two 2-liter soda bottles that have been cleaned and labels removed.
Lightly mist them with silver spray paint. Because you will be gluing these to the cardboard, you only need to mist the tops and sides of them, not all around. It was hot out, so it didn't take long to dry!
Step 3: Spewing Flames!
Hot glue the bottles to your cardboard back-pack. Then take some red, yellow or orange felt and hot glue flames inside the bottle opening. We used felt because that's what we had! You could use crepe paper, ribbon, yarn, colored paper...
Step 4: Ignition Switch...ready for Blast Off!
Add a felt ignition switch to the front strap and you are ready for lift off!
Step 5: We Have Lift-off! Rocket Jet Packs Are a Success!
Let the little Rocketeer take it for a test ride! This was so worth the 20-30 minutes we spent making it! Hours of fun through the months to come! He even wears it shopping or to the Library!

Runner Up in the
Maker Moms Contest

Participated in the
Halloween Props Contest
13 Comments
6 years ago
so cute gonna make it for a friends 4 year old brother he will love it!
8 years ago on Introduction
This project brought a big grin to my face. Love it!
9 years ago
Oh my good. Thats so simple but awesome!! Love it and my son too :D
10 years ago on Introduction
Is this kid tested and kid approved? Looks awesome, I am glad at least one kid knows the joys of an imagination. Imagination seems to be more and more imaginary these days.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! Yes, imagination--love it! Thankfully, my kids have tons! :)
10 years ago on Introduction
Reminds me of the year that I just had to go to Halloween as the ROCKETEER!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I need to find that Rocketeer movie and show my kids! They would love it! Of course then I'd need to make jet packs for my other 2! :)
10 years ago on Introduction
I actually posted a link to this on my FB page about 4 days before you shared it here. So glad to have you on board! This project is amazing.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Hey thanks! That explains why I got a surge of hits from facebook! :) Awesome! I'm a new follower of yours here!
10 years ago on Introduction
Loved the project, the photography, the model small rocket man it was really a eye candy project simply loved it thanks
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks so much! I think pictures are worth 1000 words! I can learn more from pics than reading a tutorial...I hope it helps others! :) This was really one of my all time favorite projects ever--and to be able to share that with my 3 year old was really special! :)
10 years ago on Introduction
That is so cute! It looks so easy and quick to put together so your little rocketeer can start playing with it right away!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! Yes, for a 3 year old...he HAD to see those results fast! He stuck right by me and was thrilled to see that HE could build something he loves! :)